Cargo transporter

ABSTRACT

Mobile apparatus for loading and unloading aircraft, particularly for loading, transporting and unloading cargo containers of the preloaded module type. A mobile vehicular frame powered for movement over the ground is provided with vertically spaced fixed loading platforms and an elevator platform mounted for movements between positions of registry with said fixed loading platforms. Each of the fixed and elevator loading platforms is provided with powered, independently operable conveying means. The elevator platform carries controls for the elevator hoist and the drives for the conveying means. The conveying means of the fixed loading platforms are alternatively actuated by movement of the elevator platform from one position of registry to the other. Using the elevator platform, empty cargo modules discharged from the aircraft can be loaded onto one of the fixed loading platforms, and full cargo modules (e.g., galley modules) can be unloaded from the other fixed platform for transfer into the aircraft.

nited States Patent n91 Carder et al.

[ CARGO TRANSPORTER Assignee:

Filed:

App]. No.: 86,475

lnventorsf Victor B. Carder, Carmel; Robert J.

Notman, Salinas, both of Calif.

Cochran Western Salinas, Calif.

Nov. 3, i970 US. Cl. ..214/520, 214/75 R, 214/84 [51] Int. Cl. ..B60pl/44 [58] Field of Search.....21 4/5l8, 520, 75 R, 75 T, 84'; v 198/127[56] References Cited I UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,204,049 11/1916 Maxwell..214/84 1,756,653 4/1930 MCAl'lhUL. 198/127 R 2,334,124 11/1943Peterson ..214/84 2,949,197 8/1960 Lomen et al.. 214/75 T 3.01 1,66512/1961 Wise ..214/84 3,204,797 9/1965 Chandler 214/518 3,435,969 4/1969McCartney et al... ..214/84 3,447,665 6/1969 Egeland et a1 ...214/843,575,309 Peterson ..214/520 Corporation,

[451 Jan. 23, 1973 Primary Examiner-Robert J. Spar Attorney-Flehr,Hohbach, Test, Albritton & Herbert [57] ABSTRACT Mobile apparatus forloading and unloading aircraft, particularly for loading, transportingand unloading cargo containers of the preloaded module type. A mobilevehicular frame powered for movement over the groundis provided withvertically spaced fixed loading platforms and an elevator platformmounted for move ments between positions of registry with said fixedloading platforms. Each of the fixed and elevator loading platforms isprovided with powered,'independently operable conveying means. Theelevator platform carries controls for the elevator hoist and the drivesfor the conveying means. The conveying means of the fixedloadin'g'platforms are alternatively actuated by movement of theelevator platform from one position of registry to the othenUsing theelevator platform,

empty cargo modules discharged from the aircraft can be loaded onto oneof the fixed loading platforms, and full cargo modules (e.g., galleymodules) can be unloaded from the other fixed platform for transfer intothe aircraft.

8 Claims, 16 Drawing Figures PATENTEDmzs I975 3.712.495 sum 01 0F 11 I/n Q /'/I// I 1 II I ViCfOf H. CGrder BY Robert J. Norma AttorneyPATENTEDJAN 23 ms SHEET 02 0F 11 Attorneys PATENTEDJAH23 I973 371 2.495

sum on HF 11 Fig. 5

INVFNTORS Vicfor H. Carder BY Robert J. Norman 92% PATENTEDJAH 23 msSHEET UBUF 11 INVENTORS Victor H. Carder By Robert J. Norman 44,Attorneys PATENTEU JAN 2 3 I975 sum 09 0F 11 INVENTORS H. Carder VictorBY Robert J. Norman .2; Ahorneys PATENTEDJAN 23 I973 SHEET llEF 11INVENTOR5 Victor H. Carder By Robert J. Notman Attorneys CARGOTRANSPORTER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generallyto mobile cargo handling apparatus, and particularly to improved mobileapparatus useful in the loading and unloading of preloaded cargo moduleswith respect to aircraft and like commercial carriers.

Although baggage and cargo transporters of the type described are widelyused by the aircraft industry, the dramatic increase in the tonnage ofcargo and numbers of passengers carried by aircraft in recent years hasnecessitated rapid change in cargo-handling systems. For example, onerelatively efficient system devised for moving cargo from storage areasinto the body of large multijet aircraft makes use of a loaderpositioned adjacent the cargo door of the aircraft. The loader receivesthe cargo from the transporter and lifts the same to the level of theplane's cargo compartment for easyloading into the aircraft fuselage.Large cargo modules can be accommodated. For example, most largepassenger airlines now rely on the use of galley modules containingprepared meals for the large number of passengers moved by the aircraft.There is consequently a particular need for a highly efficient system toeffect loading and unloading of galley modules and like cargo containersof the type described into'the body of the aircraft. There is aparticular need for such systems making use of relatively high speedmobile transporters whichare adapted to rapidly load and unload themodules and other cargo containers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND OBJECTS In summary, the present inventionrelates to mobile loading apparatus for relatively heavy cargocontainers such as galley modules and the like.,Theapparatus includes asteerable frame or chassis powered for ground forms. In apreferredembodiment, means tocontrol the operation of the elevatorandthe separate platform conveyingineans is carried by the elevator so thata single operator can control the loading and unloading of a pluralityof cargo'm'odules on and off the mobile carrier. The operation of theseparate conveying means on the loading platform is further controlledby movement of the elevator platform so that the conveying means of theupper and lower platforms will alternatively function at positions ofregistry with the elevator platform.

The mobile transporter of the present. invention is particularly usefulwith intermediate loading apparatus of the type disclosed for example inUS. Pat. No. 3,524,563, to receive empty cargo modules such-as galleymodules and to discharge preloaded galley modules for use aboard theaircraft. The apparatus of the present invention is particularlyusefulin the loading and unloading of large numbers of such cargo modules in arelatively short period of time.

cargo transporter apparatus of the type described and adapted to move aplurality of cargo modules to and from transport positions on a mobileframe, wherein such operations may be easily controlled by a singleoperator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cargo transporterapparatus of the type described which employs cooperating elevator andloading platforms, each provided with independently operable conveyingmeans to receive or discharge cargo modules in a selectively controlledoperation.

A further object of the invention is to provide loading apparatus forcargo modules of the type described wherein the cargo handling andloading platforms are mobile so that theapparatus may be employed bothas a transport vehicle and as cargo handling means.

' These and other objects of the invention'will be'apparent from thefollowing description of an exemplary embodiment and from the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anembodiment of mobile loading apparatus according to the presentinvention. I

FIG. 2 is=a view in plan along the line,2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a like view along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a portion of a loading platform, enclosedby line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is-a view like FIG. 4, with portions of the platform removed toshow the underlying structure.

FIG. 6 is a view like FIG. 4, showing also the elevator platform andportions of the hoist mechanism therefore. I

FIG. 7 is a view like FIG. 4, wherein additional portions of theplatform have been removed to show details of the elevator hoistmechanism.

FIG. 8 is a view in side elevation of the elevator platfonn and hoistmechanism, shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 9 is a view in section along the line 99 of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a view in section along the line I010 of FIG. 5

FIG. is a view in section along the line l1-'1l of FIGIS.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view in section along the line 12-12 of FIG.6.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are, respectively, schematic and dia- I grammatic viewsillustrating a control system for the mobile loading apparatus ofthe'present invention.

FIGS. l5 and 16 are schematicviews illustrating typical loading andunloading operations with respect to the apparatus of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1, the apparatus or vehicle isprovided with a wheel equipped chassis or frame 12 at the forward end ofwhich is the drivers station or cab 14. The vehicle 10 isself-propelled, being driven by pairs of wheels 16 powered by aconventional internal combustion prime mover (not shown) and maneuveredby the steerable front wheels 18.

To facilitate loading and unloading of cargo modules from aircraft andthe like, the vehicle 10 is provided with two fixed loading platforms, alower loading platform 20 supported on the chassis l2 and an upperloading platform 22 likewise supported on the chassis in spaced relationabove the lower platform. Any suitable means may be employed for holdingthe separate loading platforms in spaced relation, for example, a bodyor frame enclosed within the side and end panels 24, 25. Mounted on aforward end of the chassis for vertical movements between separatepositions of registry with the loading platforms 20 and 22, is anelevator platform 26. As hereinafter described, the elevator platform isprovided with an operator's station 28, and a control panel 30,providing independent control over the operations of both the elevatorand powered conveyor means on each of the loading and elevatorplatforms.

In use, the cargo transporter 10 is loaded with a supply of pre-packedcargo modules (usually on the lower platform) and driven to a loadingposition adjacent an aircraft. As noted previously, the transporter 10is normally employed in conjunction with intermediate loading apparatus(not shown) which has one or more adjustable elevators to discharge orreceive cargo containers, and which is positioned between thetransporter 10 and the aircraft. In a typical operation, the elevatorplatform 26 of the cargo transporter is first positioned adjacent theupper platform 22 and the transporter conveying means operated toreceive empty cargo modules from the aircraft, for example, as deliveredby the intermediate loader. The elevator platform 26 is then lowered toa position adjacent the lower platform 20, and the transporter conveyingmeans operated to discharge the pre-packed cargo modules in sequencefrom the lower platform to the intermediate loader, and from theintermediate loader into the aircraft. All of the described unloadingand loading operations can be performed at station 28 by operation ofthe controls at panel 30. A single operator is thus able to rapidlyperform the entire loading and unloading operation, in safe, convenientfashion, from a position on the transporter elevator platform 26.

Lower Loading Platform The lower loading platform 20 is supporteddirectly on the transporter frame 12 and is generally provided withseparately operable conveying means to move individual cargo modulestransversely as well as lengthwise with respect to the vehicular frameof the transporter 10. The rear of the lower transporter compartment(not shown in FIG. 1) may be open to facilitate loading of pre-packedcargo units, for example, galley modules containing a variety ofprepared meals and/or drinks. Such food and drink modules arecustomarily pre-packed at a central food processing facility, wheremeals are prepared in assembly line fashion for the large numbers ofpassengers moved by the aircraft.

Alternatively, of course, pre-packed modules may be loaded into thetransporter 10 from the front, using the elevator platform 26, ashereinafter described.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transporter is shown with the elevator26 in a position of registry with the lower platform 20. With referenceto the vehicular orientation of the cargo transporter, the platform 20is provided with a left hand conveying pathway 32, a right handconveying pathway 34, and a transverse conveying pathway or transferarea 36. As illustrated, each of the conveying pathways 32 and 34 is inthe form of a plurality of roller conveyers 38 arranged in substantialparallelism and transverse to the direction of conveyance Asparticularly shown in FIGS. 5 and 9, rotation of the various rollerconveyers 38 can be accomplished by means of one or more motors 40,suitably linked to the spindles of the rollers by conventional chain andsprocket assemblies 42. Thus, FIG. 5 illustrates a forward group ofrollers in the left hand pathway 32 powered by the motor 40b and chainand sprocket assembly 42a. A similar group of rollers in the right handpathway 34 is driven by the motor 40a and chain and sprocket assembly42b. Corresponding groups of the rollers 38 can be similarly driven bythe motors 40c and 40d. For example, one satisfactory arrangement (SeeFIGS. 13 and 14) makes use of three independently operable groups of sixroller conveyers 38, each operated by its own motor and chain driveassembly. As hereinafter described, such arrangement provides a desireddegree of control over both conveying and module storage operations,performed at the conveyance paths 32 and 34.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the transfer area 36 is positioned at aforward end of the loading platform 20, immediately adjacent the rollerconveying pathways 32 and 34. The transfer area includes a number ofdecking plates 44 suitably provided with a plurality of ball casters 46which assist the conveying means in the transfer operations related tothe cargo modules. As noted previously, the transfer area 36 alsoincludes independently operable conveyer means to move the cargo modulesboth lengthwise and transversely of the loading platform, to therebyfacilitate movement of the cargo modules onto the elevator platform 26.Specifically, the transfer area 36 is provided with one or moreconveying rollers or wheels 48 which cooperate with the conveyingrollers 38 in providing lengthwise movements of the cargo modules. Italso includes transverse conveying rolls or wheels 50 to effect alateral transfer of the cargo modules between the roller conveyer path32 and the main conveying path to the elevator platform 26 (representedat 76 and 82 in FIGS. 15 and 16). In this regard, it should beunderstood that the conveyers 38, 48 and 50 are each bi-directional, tofacilitate both loading and unloading operations.

Referring to FIG. 5, the lengthwise conveying rollers 48 are eachprovided with a separate drive motor 52. The left hand motor 52facilitates independent operation of the left hand conveyer 48 inconjunction with the roller conveyers of path 32. The right hand motorfacilitates independent operation of the right hand conveyer 48 inconjunction with the conveying rollers of the elevator 26. Independentoperation of the transverse roller conveyers 50 is similarlyaccomplished by means of drive motor 54. In this case, however, it ispermissible to use a single drive motor to power all of the conveyers50, for example, by means of the conventional chain drive assembly 56.

In general, both lengthwise and transverse conveying operations areperformed at the transfer area 36. It is consequently desirable toprovide means to prevent interference between the operations of thelengthwise conveyers 48 and the'transverse conveyers 50. In theillustrated apparatus, such means comprise hydraulic cylinders whichelevate the drive wheels above the elevation of the roller casters 46.Thus, as shown in FIG. 10, the transverse conveyers 50 are mounted forrotation in a support frame 58 which is pivotally carried by bell cranks60. The latter cooperate with a parallelogram linkage 62 and actuatingcylinder 63 to alternatively raise the conveyers 50 to the driveposition shown in FIG. 10, or to lower the rollers 50 to an inoperativeor out-of-the-way position (not shown). In-

48 may be individually supported in pivot mounts 64 actuated by thecylinders 66. Again, the conveyer 48 is shown in the up or driveposition. It will be understood, however, that in the hereinafterdescribed operation of the lowerloading platform 20, the conveyers 48will normallybe pivoted to an inoperative, out-of-the-way positionduring periods of operation of the transverse conveyers 50, and viceversa. This is most easily accomplished by controlling the operations ofthe actuating cylinders for the separate conveyer components so thatthey operate to project the conveyers upwardly throughthe apertures inthe decking 44, only at' such time as the operator energizes the controlfor the particular transfer conveyer involved in the loading orunloading operation.

In general, the separate conveyer means described above facilitatemovement of cargo modules, represented at 70 and 72 in FIG. 16, to andfrom the elevator platform 26. Thus, cargo modules 70 positioned at theright hand conveyer path 34,,may be movedby the conveyers 38 and theright hand conveyer 48 onto the elevator platform 26 (arrows 74 and 76).in like fashion, cargo modules 72 stored at the left hand conveyer pathcan be moved by the left hand conveyers38 and 48, the transverseconveyers 50 and the right hand conveyer 48, in a conveyance path thatis both lengthwise and transverse to accomplish the same result (arrows'78, 80 and 76). As hereinafter explained, allsuch operationsmay becontrolled by the operator at station'28 on the elevator platform.

As may be necessary in a particular loading or unloading operation, theoperator may also manually transportcargo modules across the transferarea, on the ball casters 46, or along the roller conveyers 38 in thepathways 32 and 34. For such purpose, decking and suitable walkways areprovided, as generally represented at 44, 33 and'35 (see FIGS. 3 and 4).Such operation is also facilitated by the normally retracted or loweredposition of the conveyers 48 and 50.

Upper Loading Platfor'm As noted previously, the upper loading platform22 is mounted in spaced vertical relation with respect to the lowerplatform. Suitable means for such purpose can include a 'body frame (notshown) within the side panels 24 and end panel 25, which generally formthe In other respects, the construction of theupper loading platform 22can be identical to that of the lower loading platform 20. Such fact isparticularly represented in FIG. 3 by use of corresponding referencenumerals. Thus, the upper loading platform 20 generally includes a lefthand conveyer pathway 32 and its associated walkway 33, a right handconveyer pathway 34 and associated walkway 35, and a transfer area 36.The construction and operation of the conveying means in each of theseconveyance areas, namely the conveying rollers 38 and the transferrollers or wheels 48, 50, can likewise be identical to that previouslydescribed in connection with the lower loading platform 20.

It may be noted'that movement of cargo modules on the upper loadingplatform 22, in loading and unloading operations, will likewise beidentical to that previously described with respect to the lower loadingplatform 20. Thus, movement of cargo modules between the elevator 26 andthe left hand conveyance pathway 32 will occur along a lengthwise andtransverse conveyance path (arrows 82, 84 and 86), whereas movement ofthe cargo modules between the elevator and the right hand conveyancepath 34 will occur along a lengthwise conveyance path (arrows 82 and88).

As hereinafter explained, the described handling of the cargo modules isgenerally accomplished in conjunction with cooperating movements of theelevator platform 26. However, as may be necessary in loading andunloading operations at a centralized airport facility, cargo may alsobe loaded or unloaded at the rear of the cargo transporter 10, throughuse of removable rear gates such as the gate 90 shown in FIG. 1.

Elevator Platform it is a feature of the present invention that theaircraft loading and unloading operations of the cargo transporter 10are performed through controlled operations of an elevator platform,generally represented at 26, at alternate positions of registry with theseparate loading platforms 20 and 22. As best illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2and 8, the elevator platform 26 is mounted for vertical movements at theforward end of the cargo transporter 10, from which point'all loadingand unloading operations may be controlled by an operator standingwithin station 28 and manipulating the controls at panel 30. Theoperator station 28 is appropriately provided with a protective guardrail 92 which may be pivoted out of the way to facilitate movements ofthe operator between the vehicle cab 14 and the station 28.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 6-8, the elevatorplatform is guided duringvertical movements with respect to the loading platforms 20 and 22 bymeans 'of horizontally spaced vertical tracks or guideways 100, whichare mounted on the vehicular frame to receive rollers 102 carried by theelevator platform 26 (See FIG. 6). As illustrated, the rollers 102 arecarried in spaced vertical relation by upwardly and downwardlyprojecting portions of the elevator frame, generally represented at 104and 106 (FIG. 8). The elevator platform also includes an upstandingsupport 108 for the control panel 30, at a convenient distance fromtheoperator station 28. Suitable guard rails 110 and 112 may also beprovided to insure the safety of the operator at elevated positions ofthe platform 26.

Movement of the elevator platform 26 between upper and lower loadingpositions, in registry with the platforms 20 and 22, is accomplished bymeans of the hoist mechanism generally represented at 120 (FIGS. 7 and8). In the illustrated apparatus, the hoist mechanism 120 is in the formof a cable hoist employing cables 122 attached at one end 124 to theelevator platform at the other end 126 to a clamp plate 128 adjacent ahydraulic ram 130. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the cables 122 are reavedabout upper and lower sheaves 132 and 134, and intermediate horizontaland vertical tensioning sheaves 136 and 138. As shown in FIG. 7, thepulleys 138 are carried'on a guide trolley assembly 140 connected to thepiston 142 of the ram 130, and adapted upon actuation of the ram tolongitudinal movements within the horizontal trackway 144. Uponactuating the ram to extend the trolley assembly 140 to the positionshow in FIG. 6, the cables 122 function to raise the elevator platform26 to a position of registry with the upper platform 22, as generallyrepresented by the dotted line positions in FIGS. 8 and 16. Uponactuating of the ram 130 to retract the trolley assembly 140, the weightof the elevator platform will cause it to descend to a position ofregistry with the lower platform 20, as represented by the full linepositions of the same in FIGS. 8 and 16. The hoist mechanism 120 thusfunctions at the extreme positions of the rams piston 142 to achieve thedescribed positions of registry of the elevator 26 with the upper andlower loading platforms 20 and 22 (dotted and full line positions inFIG. 16).

As generally shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the elevator platform 26 isprovided with separate conveying means 150, adapted to cooperate inloading and unloading operations with the conveying means of theplatforms 20 and 22. As specifically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 12, theconveying means 150 are in the form of independently operable rollers orwheels similar in construction to the conveyers 48 or 50 of the loadingplatforms. In like fashion, the conveyers 150 may be rotatably mountedwithin a frame 152 which may be supported for pivotal movements betweenraised and lowered positions by links 154 and bell cranks 156. Thelatter are responsive to actuation of the cylinder 158 to move theconveyers 150 between the raised position illustrated in FIG. 12 and aninoperative or out-of-the-way position below the decking 166 of theplatform (not shown). As in the case of the loading platforms 20 and 22,the elevator platform 26 is provided with a plurality of ball casters168 to assist in the transfer of cargo modules across the elevatorplatform.

The cooperating function of the conveyer means on the elevator platform26 is schematically represented in FIGS. and 16. Thus in a loadingoperation with respect to the platform 22 (FIG. 15), the conveyer means150 function to move the cargo modules onto the transfer area 36 (arrow82), from which point the cargo may be moved directly by the right handconveying means 48 and 38 into the conveying path 34 (arrow 88) or,alternatively, by the transfer conveying means 50 and the left handconveyers 48 and 38, into the conveyance path 32 (arrows 84 and 86). Anunloading operation is likewise represented in FIG. 16, wherein movementof the cargo modules from the transfer area 36 to the elevator platformis represented by the arrow 76. In both the loading and unloadingoperations represented by the arrows 82 and 76 (FIGS. 15 and 16), theelevator conveyers I50 cooperate with the right hand conveyers 48 of theloading platforms to effect transfers between the loading and elevatorplatforms. Such movements are assisted by an appropriate spacing betweenthe right hand conveyers 48 and the rear conveyer 150, as well as by theroller casters 44 and 168. Cargo Guides and Stops As noted above, eachof the loading platforms 20 and 22 is provided with separate conveyancepaths 32 and 34, which necessarily must converge at the transfer area 36to facilitate conveyance to the single conveyance path represented bythe conveyers I50 of the elevator platform 26. To insure that the cargomodules moving on one of the separate conveyance paths 32, 34 will notinterfere with movements of cargo modules on the other, it is desirableto provide cooperating conveyer guides and stops. Conveyer stops arealso desirable at the end of each of the conveyer platforms 20, 22 and26 to insure that cargo modules will not accidentally fall from thetransporter 10, and be damaged.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4, several groups of cooperatingretractable guides and stops are illustrated, each provided withseparate actuating mechanisms.

. One group composed of stop 170, is mounted to be moving between theelevator 26 and the conveyance path 34 will be restrained againstlateral movements at the transfer area 36 by the guides I and 176. Cargomodules on the conveyance path 32 and on the left hand side of thetransfer area 36 will be simultaneously restrained against undesiredmovements by the guides 174 and the stop 178. When it is desired to loador unload with respect to the conveyance path 32, the levers 172 and 180are both depressed, raising the stop and lowering the guides 174, 175,176 and the stop 178. In this position, movements of cargo modules arerestrained only with respect to lengthwise movements between theelevator 26 and the conveyance path 34, the cargo modules otherwisebeing free to move from the elevator across the transfer area 36 to theconveyance path 32.

Since the cargo modules follow a single conveyance path on the elevatorplatform 26, generally determined by the conveyers 150, fixed guides 182and 184 can be provided on either side of this conveyance pathway. Aswill be apparent from FIGS. 2, 15 and 16, the guides 182 and 184restrict lateral movements of the cargo modules as they move across theelevator platform, with the guide 184 additionally serving to maintain aclear pathway 188 for the operator moving from the control station 28 tothe stop levers 172 and 180.

For obvious reasons, it is necessary that all movements of cargo moduleswith respect to the forward end of the elevator platform be under thecontrol of the operator at station 28. Means for this purpose includeforward stops 190 which are normally biased to a raised or stopposition, but which may be depressed by operation of a foot pedal 192 atthe station 28. As best illustratedin FIGS. 6 and 12, the stops 190 maybe in the form of simple pivoted members mounted on a cross shaft 194,and held in the raised position by conventional torsion springs (notshown). As may be necessary, the stops 190 may be lowered by the footpedal 192 in response to direct mechanical leverage. A similar stop 195may be provided at the rear of the elevator platform 26.

Alternative'Platform Control- It is a feature of the present inventionthat means are provided, responsive to movements of the elevatorplatform 26, to separately and alternatively activate the independentlyoperable conveying means (38, 48 and 50) of each of the fixed loadingplatforms and 22.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 13 and 14, this operating function may beachieved by a series of reversible selector valves 196, 197, 198 and199, mounted on the vehicular frame 12 to be depressed by the elevatorplatform 26 when it is in a lowered position. As hereinafter explainedmovement of the elevator platform to its lowered position (i.e., inregistry with the loading platform 20), causes the selector valves196-199 to actuate, respectively, the drive motor for the right handconveyor 48, the drive motors for the series of roller conveyers 38 inthe right hand conveyance path 34, the drive motor for the lateral driveconveyers 50 and the drive motors for the series of roller conveyers 38in the left hand conveyance path 32. In such depressed position of theselector valves 196-199, the corresponding drive motors for the upperloading platform 22 will be de-activated or inoperative.

The selector valves 196-199 are normally biased into an up position.Upward movement of the elevator 26 therefore functions to immediatelyshift the selector valves 196-198 to de-activate the drive motors forthe lower conveyers and to simultaneously activate the correspondingdrive motors for the upper conveyers (viz., the left and right handconveyers 38, 48 and the lateral conveyers 50). The net effect is thatthe separate conveying means on the loading platforms 20 and 22automatically respond to movements of the elevator plat form 26, therebyinsuring that the respective conveying means will alternatively functionat the separate 'positions of registry with the elevator platform 26.The operator is thus free to concentrate on the identical operations ofthe conveying means at the two loading and unloading levels withoutconcern 'as to other operating controls, except the controlfor theelevator hoist 120. 1 Cargo Module Storage" "As hereinafter described indetail, all of the loading and unloading operations can be controlled bythe operator at station 28. However, at such times as cargo modules havemoved to storage positions at the rear of the loader conveying paths 32or 34, it is desirable that the conveyer rollers 38 beneath such modulesbe inactivated. i

As noted previously, the roller conveyers 38 are independently operated,as groups, by the separate drive motors 40. Thus, with respect to theconveyance path 32, the forward group of rollers 38 is operated by themotor 40a, the middle group of rollers is operated by the motor 40c andthe rear group of rollers by the motor 40e (See FIGS. 5, l3 and 14). Asbest illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 13, a cam actuated valve or cut-off 200is positioned at the rear of the left hand conveyance path 32, toterminate operation of the rear motor 40e at such time as a galleymodule rolls into position above the cut-off. A similar cam actuatedvalve or cut-off 202 may be provided at the rear of the right handconveyance path 34, for the drive motor 40f. A cam actuated cut-off 204is also provided at an intermediate position of the left hand conveyancepath 32, to terminate operation of the middle group of rollers 38 (i.e.,at such time as a cargo module stops above the cut-off 204). Again, asimilar cut-off 206 can be provided with respect to .the right handconveyance path 34. However, as hereinafter described, the hydraulicsystems for the intermediate cut-offs 204, 206 are so constructed thatthey are inoperative until such time as movement of cargo modulesthereover to a rearward position is no longer possible, due to thepresence of previously conveyed modules.

In the apparatus herein described, the hydraulic cutoffs 200, 202, 204,206 operate only in a loading operation of the conveyers 38 in theconveyance paths 32 and 34. That is, due to the direction of flow ofhydraulic fluid to the motors 40, the hydraulic cut-offs will onlyoperate when the conveyance rollers are rotating to convey cargo modulestoward the rear of the transporter 10. Upon reversal of the direction ofconveyance (toward the right in the drawings, FIGS. 2,3,5 and 13) thecut-offs 200, 202, 204 and 206 are inoperative, and therefore incapableof terminating operation of the drive motors 40.

Assuming a loading operation wherein a cargo module is moving to therear of a conveyance path 32, the module will be conveyed over thecut-off switch 204 without actuating the same. Upon reaching the cut-off200, the rear group of rollers 38 will cease to operate so that thecargo module may be retained in a storage position. However, theintermediate group of conveying rollers 38 will continue to operate totransport additional cargo modules to the rear until such time as acargo module abuts a module in a storage position, and comes to restabove the cut-off 204. At

this point, the cut-off 204 terminates operation of the drive motor 400for the middle group of conveying rollers. The forward group ofconveying rollers 38 continues to operate, however, until the conveyingpath 32 is filled with cargo modules in storage position. It will beappreciated that the described operation is identical with respect tothe cut-off valves 202 and 206, and with respect to each of the loadingplatforms 20 and'22. Control System in the illustrated apparatus, anoperator at station 28 is provided with a control for the elevator hoistand controls for the drives of four separate conveyance paths at eachloading level. These are: the left hand conveyance path 32, includingthe drive motors for the roller conveyers 38 and the left hand conveyer48; the transfer area 36, including the drive motor for the lateralconveyers 50; the right hand conveyance path 34, including the drivemotors for the right hand roller conveyers 38; and the conveyance pathfrom the transfer area 36 across the elevator platform, including thedrive motors for the right hand conveyer 48 and the elevator conveyers150. The controls for these four separate conveyance paths are availableto the operator at each loading level, or, more specifically at eachposition of registry of the elevator platform 26 with either the lowerloading platform or the upper loading platform 22.

The control system to achieve the foregoing drive functions isschematically represented in FlGS. 13 and 14, and generally comprises ahydraulic system making use of a tank or reservoir 220 for hydraulicfluid, and a pump 222. As illustrated, the pump delivers hydraulic fluidunder pressure to each of the operating control valves at the controlpanel 30. Specifically, these controls include the lever 224 for thehoist mechanism 120, the lever 226 for the elevator platform and entryconveyers 150 and 48, the lever 228 for the roller conveyers 38 in thepath 34, the lever 230 for the transfer conveyers 50, and the lever 232for the left hand conveyer 48 and the roller conveyers 38 in the path32. The hydraulic pump 220 may be of the conventional vane type, drivenby the main propulsion unit for the cargo transporter 10. Each of thecontrol levers is positioned to be reached by the operator at station 28and may be manually operated to shift the three position spool valvesgenerally represented at 234 in FIG. 14. To illustrate, the lever 224may be operated to shift its three position spool valve 234 to the leftfrom the neutral position shown to extend the hydraulic ram 130 to raisethe elevator platform 26 and, alternatively, to the right to retract thehydraulic ram 130 to lower the elevator platform. In the latteroperation, the flow of hydraulic fluid from the rear of the hydraulicram must pass through the check valve 236 and flow control valve 238,thus providing a safety feature in that the elevator platform 26 willlock in position in the event the hydraulic pressure is lost through abroken line or stopping of the main propulsion engine.

As noted previously, the independently operable conveying means at theseparate platform levels are separately and alternatively actuated bythe selector valves 196, 19, 198 and 199. As illustrated in FIG. 14, theselector valves may be employed in conjunction with two position spoolvalves 240 which are normally biased to a position to activate thedrives for the upper loading platform 22. Thus, in the positionillustrated in FIG. 14, the spool position of the selector valve 196 issuch that the elevating cylinder 66 and drive motor 52 for the righthand conveyer of the upper platform may be energized by the controllever 226. it will be appreciated, however, that movement of theelevator platform 26 to a position of registry with the lower loadingplatform 20 will shift the spool of the selector valve 196 to the left,thereby energizing the elevating cylinder 66 and drive motor 52 for theright hand conveyer 48 of the lower platform. In either position of theselector valve 196, the operating lever 226 is adapted to simultaneouslyactuate the elevating cylinder 158 and the drive motor 159 for theelevator platform conveyer 150.

The lever 228 controls the drives for the right hand conveyer means, inthe upper and lower conveyance paths 34. In the illustrated position ofthe spool 240 for the selector valve 197, the lever 228 will operate thedrive motors 40b, 40d and 40ffor the groups of conveying rollers 38 inthe upper conveyance path 34. Again, upon movement of the elevatorplatform 26 to the lower loading position, the selector valve 197 willshift to the left to actuate the drive motors 40b, 40d and 40f for theconveyers 38 in the lower conveying path 34. In either position, thelever 228 may be operated to shift the spool valve 234 to the left tounload cargo modules in the conveyance paths 34 or to the right to loadcargo modules into the paths 34. In the latter case,'the cargo moduleswill pass over the intermediate cut-off actuator 206 without terminatingoperation of the motor 40d. Continued operation of motor 40d occursbecause of a relatively large diameter bypass line 242 to the checkvalve 244, that is, the diameter is sufficiently enlarged to preventbypass of hydraulic fluid to de-activate the motor 40d merely uponmovement ofa cargo module over the cut-off valve 206. However, uponcontinuing the movement of the cargo module to a rear position above thecut-off valve 202, a smaller diameter cut-off line 246, to back pressurevalve 248, functions in the down position of the cut-off 246 to bypassthe motor 40f and thereby de-activate the rear section of conveyerrollers 38. In this position, continuing movement of cargo modules overthe cut-off valve 206 will still fail to generate sufficient bypasspressure in the line 242 to open the check valve 244. However, uponmovement of a cargo module to a rest position above the cut-off valve206 (so that this valve is held in depressed position), the backpressure in line 246 created through operation of the valve 248 will besufficient to cause a bypass of hydraulic fluid through the line 242 andcheck valve 244. Such bypass effectively de-activates the motor 40d forthe intermediate section of conveyer rollers 38.

it will be appreciated that the described operation of the cut-offvalves 202 and 206 will occur only when the operating lever 228 hasshifted the spool valve 234 to the right so that the flow of hydraulicfluid in the bypass lines 242 aNd 246 and effective to operate the checkvalve 244 and back pressure valve 248. In the opposite position of thespool valve 234, the valves 244 and 248 will be held closed to preventany bypass operation. Accordingly, the cut-off valves 202 and 206 arerendered inoperative in the unloading mode of operation, and functiononly in the loading mode of operation wherein the cargo modules aremoving rearward on the conveyer paths 34.

The control operations just described with respect to operating lever228 will be substantially carried out by the operating lever 232 for theleft hand conveyer drives, in that the operation of the drive motors40a, 40c and 40e, and cut-off valves 200 and 204 will be substantiallyidentical to the previously described operations with respect to themotors 40b, 40d, 40fand cut-off valves 202 and 206. The only differenceis the simultaneous effect of the operating lever 232 to simultaneouslyenergize the elevating cylinder 66 and drive motors 52 for the left handconveyers 48. [n all other respects, however, the drive motors 40a, 40cand 40e operate in substantially identical fashion, including thedescribed response to the cut-off valves 200 and 204 for the rear andintermediate conveyer rollers 38.

The operating lever 230 functions to control the elevating cylinder 63and drive motors 54 for the transverse conveyers 50. Again, the positionof the selector valve 198 illustrated in FIG. 14 is such that the drivefor the conveyers 50 on the upper platform would be capable ofreversible control by the operating lever 230. 'As previously described,movement of the elevator platform to shift the selector valve 198 wouldactuate the lower drive while rendering the upper drive inactive.Operation Assuming the transport of large galley modules con tainingprepared meals and drinks, the cargo modules are first pre-loaded at acentral kitchen or like facility for subsequent transport to one or moreindividual aircraft. The cargo transporter receives the cargo modules atthe central facility, where they may be loaded into the transporter fromeither end. For example, wherev the facility has a loading dock at afixed elevation, the transporter 10 may be backed into position toreceive the loaded cargo modules through the rear opening of thevehicle. However, in a typical,

operation, the transporter is nosed into the loading 3 deck, and cargomodules are loaded across the elevator platform (in lowered position),through operation of the control levers 232 and 238 for the conveyingpaths 32 and 34, respectively.

The loaded transporter 10 now moves from the central facility to aloading position adjacent the aircraft. Such operation can be performedby a single operator who operates the transporter 10 from a positionwithin the cab 14. In a loading operation with respect to large multijetaircraft, a separate loader is customarily positioned adjacent theaircraft to receive cargo from several cargo transporters of the typeherein described. Such loader may employ one or more elevators toreceive cargo from the transporter 10, and to load the same into theaircraft. To initiate such operation, the transporter moves under itsown power to a position in general alignment .with theloader, whereuponthe operator moves from the cab 14 to the control station 28. From hisposition at station 28, the operator can control all loading andunloading operations through manipulation of the controls at panel 30.For example, it is convenient to first elevate the elevator platform 26with the control lever 224, thereby shiftingthe selector valves 196-199to energize the independently operable conveyer means-for the upperloading platform 22. In this position of the equipment, shown in FIG.15, the operator can move along the pathway 188 and depress the manualoperating levers 172 and 180, to thereby block off conveying path 34 andopen conveying path 32. Next, he can energize the drives for thelateralconveyers 50 and for the left hand conveyance path 32, bymanipulating control levers230 and 232 to shift the spool valves 234 tothe right. In this position of the'con-,, trols, he can actuate thedrives for the elevator conveyers l50 and the right hand entry conveyer48, by similarly manipulating lever 226 to shift its associated spoolvalve 234 to the right. Empty cargo modules 72 can now be moved from theloader over the entry rol-- lers 250 and spring'biased stops 190 ontothe elevator platform 26. Upon contact with the drive wheels 150, theempty cargo modules are moved along a loading path generally representedby the arrows 82, 84 and 86. The first of the modules to reach a storageposition at the rear of path 32 depresses the cut-off valve 200, therebyde-activating the rearmost section of roller conveyers 38. However, theforward andinterrnediate conveyer sections continue in the loadingoperation until such time as a cargo module 72, abutting the storedmodules, depresses the cut-off valve 204 to terminate operation of theintermediate group of roller conveyers 38. The loading is completed bycooperation of the forward group of roller conveyers 38 with the lefthand conveyer 48. Following this operation, the operator throws-allcontrol valves into the neutral position and moves along the pathway 188to raise the stop levers 172 and 180, to thereby raise the guides 174,175, 176 and thestop 178 holding the stored cargo modules 72 in astorage position within path 32. The operator can now shift the controllever 228 for the right hand conveyers 38, and again operate the lever226 to load empty cargo modules 70 across the elevator platform 26 andinto the right hand conveyance path 34. This operation is represented inFIG. 15 by the arrows 82 and 88. Such operation may be continued untilthe cargo modules-achieve a storage position within the pathway 34, insubstantially the manner just described. To complete the operation, theoperator depresses the stop lever 172, raising the stop 170 to hold thecargo modules in the storage position (See FIG. 16).

Having loaded the empty cargo modules on the top loading platform 22,the operator shifts the lever 224 to lower the elevator platform to theunloading position shown in FIG. 16. In this position, the selectorvalves 196, 197, 198 and 199 are depressed, thereby energizing theindependently operable drives for the lower loading platform 20. Theoperator now raises both of the stop levers 172 and 180 to position thevarious guides and stops on the platform 20 for unloading operationsalong the conveyance path 34. Unloading is accomplished by manipulatingthe control levers 226 and 224 for the conveyers 38 and 48, 150 on theloading platform and elevator, respectively, to move the modules insequence onto the elevator platform 26.

. This particular operation is represented by the arrows 74 and 76 inFIG. 16. At such time as a cargo module'is in position, on the elevatorplatform 26, the operator can raise the elevator to its upper position(arrow 89) at .which point he shifts the control 226 for the elevatorconveyers causing the cargo module to be unloaded onto the intermediateloader and into the aircraft (arrow 91). (It will be appreciated thatoperation of the lever 224 at the upper elevator level performs nofunction with respect to the moduleson platform 22, due to restraint ofthe modules and 72'behind the stops 170 and 178, respectively). Thedescribed operation is then repeated in succession until all cargomodules on the path 34 have been unloaded into the aircraft. Next, thecargo modules 72 are unloaded from the conveyance path 32 throughsuccessive operation of the control 232 for the left hand rollers 38,control 230 for the transfer conveyers 50, and control 226 for theelevator platform conveyers 150. Such unloading operation is representedby the arrows 78, and 76'. Again, each cargo module is moved intoposition on the elevator platform 26 from which point it may be raisedto a position adjacent the intermediate loader. In this regard, it maybe appreciated that the elevator platform 26 may be adjusted to varyingheights of an intermediate loader as may be necessary for loading orunloading particular aircraft. When the entire loading operation hasbeen completed, the operator can return to the cab 14 and transport theempty cargo modules to a central airport facility for reloading andre-use.

From the above, it will be understood that there has been described ahighly useful mobile cargo transporting apparatus which facilitates therapid loading and unloading of cargo modules with respect to aircraft.The transporter can be driven between central preparatory facilities andaircraft at various locations on the airport runways, by a singleoperator. Loading and unloading of a plurality of cargo modules can becontrolled by the same operator from a more or less centralized positionon the elevator platform 26. The cargo transporter 10 provides a furtheradvantage of being highly adaptable to use with existing facilities,with respect to which it operates in a highly efficient manner to loadand unload relatively large carg'o modules and like large cargocontainers, to and from passenger and cargo aircraft.

While the foregoing description has been related to a particularembodiment of a mobile loading apparatus, it is to be understood thatmany changes in construction and widely different embodiments andapplications of the invention will suggest themselves to those skilledin the art to which this invention pertains. The disclosure anddescription herein are therefore to be considered as illustrative andnot in any sense limiting except as expressed in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. Mobile loading apparatus comprising a vehicular frame powered formovement over the ground, a first fixed loading platform mounted on saidvehicular frame, said first loading platform being provided withindependently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwiseand transversely thereof, a second fixed loading platform mounted onsaid vehicular frame in vertically spaced relation to said first loadingplatform, said second loading platform also being provided withindependently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwiseand transversely thereof, an elevator platform mounted for movement onsaid vehicular frame between separate positions of registry with respectto said fixed loading platforms, said elevator platform havingindependently operable conveying means adapted to cooperate with theconveying means of said fixed platforms, means on the elevator platformfor controlling the independently operable converging means of saidelevator and each of said fixed loading platforms, the independentlyoperable conveying means of each of said fixed loading and elevatorplatforms extending above the surface thereof to facilitate loading andunloading operations from either end of said platforms and meansresponsive to the movements of said elevator platform to alternativelyactivate and de-activate the independently operable conveying means onsaid fixed platforms.

2. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 1 wherein control means arecarried by said movable platform for each of the independently operableconveying means of said fixed and movable platform means.

3. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 2 wherein said movable platformadditionally includes operator support means adjacent said controlmeans. a

4. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim I wherein each of said loadingplatforms is providedwith at least two lengthwise conveying means and atleast one lateral conveying means.

5. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim I wherein the independentlyoperable conveying means of said fixed loading platforms include cut-offmeans operable upon movement of a cargo module thereover to de-energizeportions of said conveying means.

6. Mobile loading apparatus for handling cargo modules with respect toaircraft, a chassis powered for movement along the ground, a lowerloading platform mounted in fixed position on'said vehicular frame, anupper loading platform mounted in fixed position above said lowerloading platform, each of said lower and upper loading platforms beingprovided with independently powered conveying means to move cargomodules lengthwise and transversely thereof, an elevator platformmounted for vertical movements between positions of registry withrespect to said lower and upper loading platforms, said elevatorplatform being provided with independently powered conveying means toselectively move cargo modules on and off said upper and lower loadingplatforms, control means carried by said elevator platform forindependently operating the conveying means of each of said lower, upperand elevator platform means, hoist means controlled from said elevatorplatform to move the elevator platform between said separate positionsof registry with the fixed loading platforms, and means responsive tosaid vertical movements of said elevator platform to alternativelyactivate the independently powered conveying means of said lower andupper platforms for operation when the elevator platform is in aposition of registry therewith.

7. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 6 wherein each of said fixed andelevator loading platforms is provided with independently operable stopmeans to secure and hold the cargo modules in relatively fixed positionon the separate transverse and lengthwise conveying sections thereof.

8. Mobile loading apparatus comprising a vehicular frame powered formovement over the ground, a first fixed loading platform mounted on saidvehicular frame, said first loading platform being provided withindependently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwiseand transversely thereover, a second fixed loading platform mounted onsaid frame in vertically spaced relation to said first loading platform,said second loading platform also being provided with independentlyoperable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise andtransversely thereover, a movable platform mounted on said vehicularframe for movement between separate positions of registry with saidfixed loading platforms, said movable platform also being provided withindependently operable conveying means adapted to cooperate with theconveying means of said fixed platforms, hoist means for said movableplatform likewise mounted on said vehicular frame, control means on saidmovable platform for controlling said hoist means and the independentlyoperable conveying means of said movable platform and each of said fixedloading platforms, and means responsive to the movements of saidelevator platform to alternatively activate and de-activate theindependently operable conveying means on said fixed platfonns, theconveying means of said fixed and movable

1. Mobile loading apparatus comprising a vehicular frame powered for movement over the ground, a first fixed loading platform mounted on said vehicular frame, said first loading platform being provided with independently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise and transversely thereof, a second fixed loading platform mounted on said vehicular frame in vertically spaced relation to said first loading platform, said second loading platform also being provided with independently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise and transversely thereof, an elevator platform mounted for movement on said vehicular frame between separate positions of registry with respect to said fixed loading platforms, said elevator platform having independently operable conveying means adapted to cooperate with the conveying means of said fixed platforms, means on the elevator platform for controlling the independently operable converging means of said elevator and each of said fixed loading platforms, the independently operable conveying means of each of said fixed loading and elevator platforms extending above the surface thereof to facilitate loading and unloading operations from either end of said platforms, and means responsive to the movements of said elevator platform to alternatively activate and de-activate the independently operable conveying means on said fixed platforms.
 2. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 1 wherein control means are carried by said movable platform for each of the independently operable conveying means of said fixed and movable platform means.
 3. Mobile loading apparatUs as in claim 2 wherein said movable platform additionally includes operator support means adjacent said control means.
 4. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 1 wherein each of said loading platforms is provided with at least two lengthwise conveying means and at least one lateral conveying means.
 5. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 1 wherein the independently operable conveying means of said fixed loading platforms include cut-off means operable upon movement of a cargo module thereover to de-energize portions of said conveying means.
 6. Mobile loading apparatus for handling cargo modules with respect to aircraft, a chassis powered for movement along the ground, a lower loading platform mounted in fixed position on said vehicular frame, an upper loading platform mounted in fixed position above said lower loading platform, each of said lower and upper loading platforms being provided with independently powered conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise and transversely thereof, an elevator platform mounted for vertical movements between positions of registry with respect to said lower and upper loading platforms, said elevator platform being provided with independently powered conveying means to selectively move cargo modules on and off said upper and lower loading platforms, control means carried by said elevator platform for independently operating the conveying means of each of said lower, upper and elevator platform means, hoist means controlled from said elevator platform to move the elevator platform between said separate positions of registry with the fixed loading platforms, and means responsive to said vertical movements of said elevator platform to alternatively activate the independently powered conveying means of said lower and upper platforms for operation when the elevator platform is in a position of registry therewith.
 7. Mobile loading apparatus as in claim 6 wherein each of said fixed and elevator loading platforms is provided with independently operable stop means to secure and hold the cargo modules in relatively fixed position on the separate transverse and lengthwise conveying sections thereof.
 8. Mobile loading apparatus comprising a vehicular frame powered for movement over the ground, a first fixed loading platform mounted on said vehicular frame, said first loading platform being provided with independently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise and transversely thereover, a second fixed loading platform mounted on said frame in vertically spaced relation to said first loading platform, said second loading platform also being provided with independently operable conveying means to move cargo modules lengthwise and transversely thereover, a movable platform mounted on said vehicular frame for movement between separate positions of registry with said fixed loading platforms, said movable platform also being provided with independently operable conveying means adapted to cooperate with the conveying means of said fixed platforms, hoist means for said movable platform likewise mounted on said vehicular frame, control means on said movable platform for controlling said hoist means and the independently operable conveying means of said movable platform and each of said fixed loading platforms, and means responsive to the movements of said elevator platform to alternatively activate and de-activate the independently operable conveying means on said fixed platforms, the conveying means of said fixed and movable platforms enabling vehicle loading and unloading operations from each of said platforms. 